Rand, Muslim Bride, Justice City, IL

For the past 5 years I have been making a photographic documentation and examination of the peculiarities and the complexities of what we wear. I look for and try to capture the physiological and psychological nuances portrayed by the people that I photograph. And, among other things, I try to explore the phenomenon of symbolism that is inherent in what we choose to wear and how this affects and defines our cultural identity. By documenting these uniforms, outfits and accessories I hope to portray the evolutionary changes that occur in clothing, and in a small way I hope to bring a better understanding of the values and meaning of what people wear.

DeGrand Photography

Joel DeGrand holds an MFA in photography from the University of Oregon and a BS in Art Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has been a photographer since his early childhood, and has taught art and photography since 1968. He has participated in numerous one-person, group exhibitions, and workshops in the United States and abroad, and his work is included in many museums, corporations, private collections and publications. He has published 16 books of his photography and won many awards for his work over the years including an (NEA) National Endowment for the Arts grant.